Broncos react to Malik Jackson’s monster deal with Jaguars

Several Broncos revealed throughout the season that their locker room was the closest they’ve ever been on. The defensive side of the ball was an especially tight group.

Defensive end Malik Jackson left the coup Tuesday agreeing in principle for a six-year, $90 million dollar deal with the Jaguars. His teammates knew they were losing a player, but we’re even happier that a friend got paid.

“I talked to Malik, but our relationship is bigger than just us being teammates,” Jackson said Monday. “He’s like a brother to me. I want him to be in the best possible situation for him. You work so hard your whole life to put yourself in this position. I really feel like he should take advantage of the opportunity. I feel like he deserves everything he works with. Whatever happens, I’m going to be good with it. He set his self up to be in a great position to be here or wherever else it may be. He’s going to be great. I hope the best for him.”

Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94), defensive end Malik Jackson (97) and inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) waiting on the line in the second half against the New England Patriots in the AFC championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver on Jan. 24, 2016. (Joe Amon, The Denver Post)

No – he didn’t leave the COUP (either a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government or a notable or successful stroke or move – pronounce /ko͞o/), he left the COOP (usually a cage or pen for confining poultry – pronounced /ko͞op/) – although getting a contract like that was certainly a COUP.

Nicki Jhabvala is a Broncos beat writer for The Denver Post. She was previously the digital news editor for sports. Before arriving in Denver, she spent five years at Sports Illustrated working primarily as its online NBA editor. She also spent two years as a home page editor at the New York Times.